Methods, systems, and apparatuses, for operating a material handling system

ABSTRACT

A material handling apparatus includes a first pop-up belt abutting a first cam. The first pop-up belt is configured to facilitate movement of a package between a first conveyor and a second conveyor. a separator wall abuts a second cam. The separator wall is configured to control movement of the package between the first conveyor and the second conveyor. In response to the camshaft rotating in a first direction, the first cam causes the first pop-up belt to extend out from the first conveyor. The second cam causes the separator wall to move to a first position. I in the first position, the separator wall allows the package to move from the first conveyor to the second conveyor. In response to the camshaft rotating in a second direction, the first pop-up belt move to a retracted position while the separator wall to move to a second position.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of, and claims priority to U.S.application Ser. No. 16/433,421 filed on Jun. 6, 2019 entitled “Methods,Systems, and Apparatuses, for Operating a Material Handling System, theentirety of which is incorporated herein.

TECHNOLOGICAL FIELD

The subject disclosure relates generally to a material handlingapparatus in a material handling environment.

BACKGROUND

Material handling environments, such as, but not limited to, awarehouse, a shipping, and retail outlets may include varioussub-systems that operate in conjunction to perform one or moreoperations (e.g., package transport, store packages in storagecompartments, retrieve packages from the storage compartments, and/orthe like). Examples of such sub-systems may include, but are not limitedto, conveyors, robotic arms, singulator systems, sorters, AutomaticStorage and Retrieval Systems (ASRS) and/or the like. In some scenarios,during the execution of the predetermined operation, packages may betransferred among the various sub-systems.

BRIEF SUMMARY

Various embodiments illustrated herein disclose a material handlingapparatus. The material handling apparatus includes an actuation unitcomprising a motor, and a camshaft coupled to the motor. The camshaftcomprises a first cam and a second cam. Further, the material handlingapparatus includes a first pop-up belt abutting the first cam, whereinthe first pop-up belt is configured to facilitate movement of a packagebetween a first conveyor and a second conveyor. Furthermore, thematerial handling apparatus includes a separator wall abutting thesecond cam, wherein the separator wall is configured to control movementof the package between the first conveyor and the second conveyor. Inresponse to the motor actuating the camshaft in a first direction, thefirst cam causes the first pop-up belt to extend above the firstconveyor to facilitate movement of the package from the first conveyorto the second conveyor, and the second cam causes the separator wall tomove to a first position, wherein, in the first position, the separatorwall allows the package to move from the first conveyor to the secondconveyor. In response to the motor actuating the camshaft in a seconddirection, the first cam causes the first pop-up belt to move to aretracted position below the first conveyor, and the second cam causesthe separator wall to move to a second position that blocks movement ofthe package between the first conveyor and the second conveyor.

Various embodiments illustrated herein disclose a material handlingsystem comprising a first conveyor. a first sub-system positionedadjacent to the first conveyor. A separator wall positioned between thefirst conveyor and the first sub-system, wherein the separator wall isconfigured to control movement of a package between the first conveyorand the first sub-system. A first pop-up belt positioned below the firstconveyor, wherein the first pop-up belt is configured to facilitatemovement of the package from the first conveyor to the first sub-system.A camshaft comprising a first cam and a second cam, wherein the firstcam is coupled to the first pop-up belt and the second cam is coupled tothe separator wall, and wherein the camshaft is configured to rotate ina first direction and a second direction. In response to the camshaftrotating in the first direction, the first cam causes the first pop-upbelt to extend above the first conveyor to facilitate movement of thepackage from the first conveyor to the first sub-system, and the secondcam causes the separator wall to move to a first position. The separatorwall, in the first position, allows the package to move from the firstconveyor to the first sub-system. In response to the camshaft rotatingin the second direction, the first cam causes the first pop-up belt tomove to a retracted position below the first conveyor, and the secondcam causes the separator wall to move to a second position that blocksmovement of the package between the first conveyor and the firstsub-system.

Various embodiments illustrated herein disclose a method for operating amaterial handling system. The method comprising determining, by acontroller, whether a package to be transferred from a first conveyor toa second conveyor is positioned on the first conveyor. Further, themethod includes in response to determining that the package ispositioned on the first conveyor, actuating, by the controller, a motorto rotate a camshaft in a first direction causing a first pop-up belt toextend above the first conveyor and causing a separator wall, betweenthe first conveyor and the second conveyor, to move to a first positionsuch that the first pop-up belt and the separator wall facilitatemovement of the package from the first conveyor to the second conveyor.Furthermore, the method includes in response to determining that thepackage has moved from the first conveyor to the second conveyor,actuating, by the controller, the motor to rotate the camshaft in asecond direction causing the first pop-up belt to move to a retractedposition below the first conveyor and causing the separator wall to moveto a second position such that the separator wall blocks the movement ofthe package between the first conveyor and the second conveyor.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The description of the illustrative embodiments can be read inconjunction with the accompanying figures. It will be appreciated thatfor simplicity and clarity of illustration, elements illustrated in thefigures have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, thedimensions of some of the elements are exaggerated relative to otherelements. Embodiments incorporating teachings of the present disclosureare shown and described with respect to the figures presented herein, inwhich:

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a material handling system, inaccordance with one or more embodiments;

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of a machine, according to one ormore embodiments;

FIG. 3 illustrates an exploded view of a first actuation unit, accordingto one or more embodiments;

FIG. 4 illustrates a front view of the first actuation unit, accordingto one or more embodiments;

FIG. 5 illustrates a front view of a first cam, according to one or moreembodiments;

FIG. 6 illustrates a cut view of the machine depicting the first cam,according to one or more embodiments;

FIG. 7 illustrates another cut view of the machine depicting a secondcam and the first cam, according to one or more embodiments;

FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of a movable frame, according toone or more embodiments;

FIG. 9 illustrates a perspective view of a separator wall frame,according to one or more embodiments;

FIG. 10 illustrates another perspective view of the machine, accordingto one or more embodiments;

FIG. 11 illustrates a perspective view of an example pop-up belt,according to one or more embodiments;

FIG. 12 illustrates a perspective view of a separator wall, according toone or more embodiments;

FIG. 13 illustrates a block diagram of a control system, in accordancewith one or more embodiments;

FIG. 14 illustrates a flowchart of a method for operating a materialhandling system, according to one or more embodiments;

FIG. 15 illustrates a perspective view of the machine in a first state,according to one or more embodiments;

FIG. 16 illustrates a perspective view of the machine in a second state,according to one or more embodiments;

FIG. 17 illustrates a perspective view of the machine in a third state,according to one or more embodiments;

FIG. 18 illustrates a perspective view of the machine in a fourth state,according to one or more embodiments;

FIG. 19 illustrates a perspective view of the machine in a fifth state,according to one or more embodiments;

FIG. 20 illustrates a perspective view of the machine in a sixth state,according to one or more embodiments;

FIG. 21 illustrates a perspective view of the machine in a seventhstate, according to one or more embodiments;

FIG. 22 illustrates a perspective view of the machine in an eighthstate, according to one or more embodiments;

FIG. 23 illustrates a perspective view of the machine in a ninth state,according to one or more embodiments; and

FIG. 24 illustrates a flowchart of a method for operating the materialhandling system, according to one or more embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Some embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described morefully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in whichsome, but not all embodiments of the disclosure are shown. Indeed, thesedisclosures may be embodied in many different forms and should not beconstrued as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, theseembodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicablelegal requirements. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout.Terminology used in this patent is not meant to be limiting insofar asdevices described herein, or portions thereof, may be attached orutilized in other orientations.

The term “comprising” means including but not limited to, and should beinterpreted in the manner it is typically used in the patent context.Use of broader terms such as “comprises,” “includes,” and “having”should be understood to provide support for narrower terms such as“consisting of,” “consisting essentially of,” and “comprisedsubstantially of.”

The phrases “in one embodiment,” “according to one embodiment,” and thelike generally mean that the particular feature, structure, orcharacteristic following the phrase may be included in at least oneembodiment of the present disclosure, or may be included in more thanone embodiment of the present disclosure (importantly, such phrases donot necessarily refer to the same embodiment).

The word “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example,instance, or illustration.” Any implementation described herein as“exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred oradvantageous over other implementations.

If the specification states a component or feature “may,” “can,”“could,” “should,” “would,” “preferably,” “possibly,” “typically,”“optionally,” “for example,” “often,” or “might” (or other suchlanguage) be included or have a characteristic, that particularcomponent or feature is not required to be included or to have thecharacteristic. Such component or feature may be optionally included insome embodiments, or it may be excluded.

The term “package” as used herein may correspond to a physical item,parcel, object, element, device, or the like. For example, a warehouseor a retail outlet (e.g., a scene) may be configured to store packages,such as parcels, envelopes, cartons, shipping containers, totes, and/orthe like for transit. In some examples, the package may correspond to atwo-dimensional (2D) package and/or a three-dimensional (3D) package. Inan example embodiment, the 3D package may correspond to a package thathas three dimensions (e.g., height, width, and length). In an exampleembodiment, the 2D package may correspond to a 3D package where one ofthe dimensions (e.g., height) is negligible. Some examples of the 2Dpackage may include, but are not limited to, a piece of paper, anenvelope, etc.

The term “sub-system” as used herein corresponds to a machine, which isconfigured to perform a task, or a region in a material handlingenvironment where the task is to be performed. Some examples of thesub-system may include, but are not limited to, a conveyor, an ASRSsystem, a sortation system, a palletizer system, an accumulator region,and/or the like.

The term “conveyor” as used herein corresponds to a material handlingapparatus that may be configured to transfer a package or object in aconveyance direction over the conveyance plane. Some examples of theconveyor may include, but are not limited to, a belt based conveyor or aroller based conveyor.

The term “conveyance plane” may correspond to a plane defined by asurface of the conveyor on which a package is placed. In some examples,the package may slide over the plane, when the conveyor is operated.

The term “conveyance axis” may correspond to an axis along which thepackage is transferred, when the conveyor operates.

Material handling environments, such as warehouses and retail outlets,include one or more sub-systems such as conveyors, robotic arms,singulator systems, sorters, and/or the like. Such sub-systems mayoperate in conjunction to execute a predetermined operation in thematerial handling environments. In certain implementations, during theexecution of the predetermined operation, the packages may betransferred from one sub-system to another. Typically, robotic arms areutilized to transfer the packages amongst the various sub-systems.However, a count of packages transferred amongst the various sub-systemsmay limited to a capacity of the robotic arms. In an example embodiment,the capacity of the robotic arm may be determined based on a count ofthe packages that the robotic arm may pick and place, per minute.Accordingly, the overall productivity of the material handlingenvironment may be dependent on the capacity of the robotic arm.

Apparatuses, systems, and methods described herein disclose a machinethat is capable of transferring packages between one or more sub-systemsin the material handling environment. For example, the machine may becapable of transferring packages between a first conveyor and a secondconveyor. In an example embodiment, the machine may include a main framepositioned below the first conveyor and the second conveyor. Further,the machine may include an actuation unit positioned on the frame. Theactuation unit may include a motor and a camshaft. In some examples, thecamshaft is coupled to the motor such that the motor may facilitaterotation of the camshaft in a first direction or in a second direction.In an example embodiment, the first direction may correspond to aclockwise rotation of the camshaft, and the second direction maycorrespond to an anti-clockwise rotation of the camshaft. In an exampleembodiment, the camshaft may include a first cam, a second cam, and athird cam. In some examples, the first cam, the second cam, and thethird cam may have a profile. In an example embodiment, a profile of acam may correspond to a contour of the cam. In some examples, theprofile of the cam may be such that a radius of the cam at each point onthe cam may be different.

In some examples, the first cam, the second cam, and the third cam arepositioned on the camshaft in such a manner that the first cam and thethird cam may have a same orientation (hereinafter referred to as afirst orientation), while the second cam may have a second orientationwith respect to the first cam or the third cam. In an exampleembodiment, an orientation of a cam may be defined as an angle of an arcformed by a point on the cam and the same point on another cam, wherethe cam and the other cam are coupled to the same camshaft. In anexample embodiment, when two cams have same orientation, the angle ofthe arc is zero. Therefore, the angle of the arc formed by the samepoints on the first cam and the third cam is zero. In some examples, theangle of the arc formed by the same points on the first cam and thesecond cam is 270 degrees.

In some examples, the scope of the disclosure is not limited to thefirst cam, the second cam, and the third cam having the same profile. Inan alternative embodiment, the first cam and the third cam may have afirst profile and the second cam may have a second profile. In anexample embodiment, the first profile may be different from the secondprofile.

In an example embodiment, the machine further includes a first pop-upbelt, a second pop-up belt, and a separator wall, coupled to the mainframe. The first pop-up belt and the second pop-up belt may abut thefirst cam and the third cam, respectively. Further, the first pop-upbelt and the second pop-up belt may be movably positioned below thefirst conveyor and the second conveyor, respectively. For example, thefirst pop-up belt and the second pop-up belt may be configured to movebetween a retracted position and an extended position. In an exampleembodiment, in the retracted position, the first pop-up belt and thesecond pop-up belt are positioned below the first conveyor and thesecond conveyor, respectively. In an example embodiment, in the extendedposition, the first pop-up belt and the second pop-up belt extend abovefrom the first conveyor and the second conveyor, respectively, such thatthe first pop-up belt and the second pop-up belt are positioned abovethe first conveyor and the second conveyor, respectively. In someexamples, the movement of the first pop-up belt and the second pop-beltbetween the retracted position and the extended position may becontrolled based on the movement of the first cam and the third cam.

In an example embodiment, the separator wall may abut the second cam andmay be positioned between the first conveyor and the second conveyor. Insome examples, a first end of the separator wall may abut the secondcam. In an example embodiment, the separator wall may be configured tocontrol the movement of the package between the first conveyor and thesecond conveyor. For example, the separator wall may be configured toblock the movement of the package between the first conveyor and thesecond conveyor, when the separator wall is in a first position. In anexample embodiment, in the first position, a second end of the separatorwall extends above the first conveyor and the second conveyor. Inanother example, the separator wall may be configured to allow themovement of the package between the first conveyor and the secondconveyor, when the separator wall is in a second position. In an exampleembodiment, in the second position, the second end of the separator wallretracts below the first conveyor and the second conveyor. Similar tothe first pop-up belt and the second pop-up belt, the movement of theseparator wall between the first position and the second position iscontrolled based on the movement of second cam on the camshaft.

In an example embodiment, the motor may cause the camshaft to rotate ina first direction or a second direction. Since the second cam is out ofphase from the first cam and the third cam, the separator wall may movein a opposite direction to that of the first pop-up belt and the secondpop-up belt.

For example, when the motor causes the camshaft to rotate in the firstdirection, the first pop-up belt and the second pop-up belt may move tothe extended position, while the separator wall may move to the firstposition (i.e., the second end of the separator wall retracts below thefirst conveyor and the second conveyor). In the extended position, thefirst pop-up belt and the second pop-up belt are positioned above thefirst conveyor and the second conveyor. Further, the first pop-up beltmay engage with the package on the first conveyor and may cause thepackage to move onto the second conveyor. In some examples, the secondpop-belt (that is positioned above the second conveyor) may beconfigured to receive the package from the first conveyor.

Similarly, when the motor causes the camshaft to rotate in the seconddirection, the first pop-up belt and the second pop-up belt may move tothe retracted position, while the separator wall may move to the secondposition (i.e., the second end of the separator wall extends above thefirst conveyor and the second conveyor). Accordingly, the separator wallmay block the movement of the package between the first conveyor and thesecond conveyor.

Therefore, the machine may enable package transfer/movement among thevarious sub-systems without the need of the robotic arm. Accordingly,the overall productivity of the material handling environment improves.

FIG. 1 illustrates a material handling system 100, according to one ormore embodiments described herein. The material handling system 100includes a first sub-system 102, a second sub-system 104, a machine 106,and a control system 107.

In an example embodiment, the first sub-system 102 may correspond to apackage divert assembly that may further include a first conveyor 110, apusher plate assembly 112, and a platform 114. In some examples, theplatform 114 may be further coupled to another sub-system (not shown)that may be configured to transfer a package on the platform 114. Forexample, the platform 114 may be coupled to another conveyor (not shown)that may be configured to transfer the package on the platform 114. Insome examples, the platform 114 may, itself, be a part of the otherconveyor, without departing from the scope of the disclosure. In anexample embodiment, the other conveyor may have a first conveyance plane116 and may be configured to transfer the package along a firstconveyance axis 118. Since platform 114 is a part of the other conveyor,the platform 114 may also have the first conveyance plane 116. Further,the platform 114 may be configured to receive the package beingtransferred along a first conveyance axis 118 by the other conveyor. Inan example embodiment, the platform 114 may further have a first edge120 and a second edge 122 along a second conveyance axis 124. In anexample embodiment, the first conveyance axis 118 may be orthogonal tothe second conveyance axis 124.

The first conveyor 110 may be positioned at the first edge 120 of theplatform 114 along the second conveyance axis 124. In some examples, thefirst conveyor 110 may be configured to transfer/transport the packagealong the second conveyance axis 124. In some examples, the firstconveyor 110 may further have a second conveyance plane 126. In anexample embodiment, the first conveyor 110 may be positioned on themachine 106. Further, the first conveyor 110 may include a plurality ofrollers 128 that may spaced apart from each other to define one or moregaps 130.

In some examples, the scope of the disclosure is not limited to thefirst conveyor 110 including the plurality of rollers 128. In analternative embodiment, the first conveyor 110 may be a belt basedconveyor. In such a scenario, the belt of the conveyor may define theone or more gaps 130.

In an example embodiment, the pusher plate assembly 112 may bepositioned at the second edge 122 of the platform 114 along the secondconveyance axis 124. In an example embodiment, the pusher plate assembly112 may include a pusher plate 132 that may be configured to translatein along the second conveyance axis 124. In some examples, the pusherplate 132 may be actuated using a servo motor (not shown) or throughhydraulic systems (not shown). In an example embodiment, the pusherplate 132 may be configured to push the package on the platform 114 onto the first conveyor 110. In some examples, the scope of the disclosureis not limited to using the pusher plate assembly 112 to divert thepackage onto the first conveyor 110. In an alternate embodiment, thesub-system 102 may be devoid of the pusher plate assembly 132. In suchan embodiment, the platform 114 may include perpendicular belts 109 thatare configured to move the package along the second conveyance axis 124onto the first conveyor 110.

In some examples, the scope of the disclosure is not limited to thefirst sub-system 102 as the package divert assembly 108. In an exampleembodiment, the first sub-system 102 may correspond to any othermachine, without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Forexample, the first sub-system 102 may only include the first conveyor110.

In an example embodiment, the second sub-system 104 may be positionedadjacent to the first sub-system 102. For example, the second sub-system104 may be positioned adjacent to the first conveyor 110 along the firstconveyance axis 118. In some examples, the second sub-system 104 maycorrespond to a second conveyor 134 that is configured to transferpackages along the second conveyance axis 124. Further, the secondconveyor 134 may be positioned on top of the machine 106. In an exampleembodiment, the second conveyor 134 may include a plurality of trays136. Each tray of the plurality of trays 136 may have a top surface 138and a bottom surface 140. The top surface 138 of each tray of theplurality of trays 136 may define one or more slots 142 that may extendfrom the top surface 138 to the bottom surface 140.

In some examples, the scope of the disclosure is not limited to thesecond sub-system 104 to be the second conveyor 134. In an exampleembodiment, the second sub-system may correspond to any other machine oran area/region within the material handling system 100, withoutdeparting from the scope of the disclosure. For example, the secondsub-system 104 may correspond to an accumulation zone in the materialhandling system 100. In another example, the second sub-system maycorrespond to an Automatic Storage and Retrieval System (ASRS) system.

In an example embodiment, the machine 106 may be configured tofacilitate movement of the package between the first sub-system 102 andthe second sub-system 104. The structure and the operation of themachine 106 has been described in conjunction with FIGS. 2-24.

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of the machine 106, according toone or more embodiments described herein. The machine 106 includes amain frame 202, a movable frame 204, a separator wall frame 206, a firstactuation unit 208, and a second actuation unit 210.

In an example embodiment, the main frame 202 may be positioned on afloor of the material handling system 100. In some examples, the mainframe 202 has a rectangular shape and has a plurality of first corners212 a, 212 b, 212 c, and 212 d. Further, the main frame 202 may have aplurality of edges 214 a, 214 b, 214 c, and 214 d. In some examples, theedge 214 a and the edge 214 c are placed along a first axis 216, whilethe edge 214 b and the edge 214 d are placed along a second axis 218. Aperson having ordinary skills in the art would appreciate that the scopeof the disclosure is not limited to the main frame 202 having therectangular shape. In an example embodiment, the shape of the main frame202 may correspond to any other polygon.

Additionally, the main frame 202 may further include a plurality offirst support bars 220 a, 220 b, 220 c, 220 d, and 220 e. In an exampleembodiment, the plurality of first support bars 220 a, 220 b, 220 c, 220d, and 220 e are placed along the second axis 218 such that a first end222 of each of the plurality of first support bars 220 a, 220 b, 220 c,220 d, and 220 e is coupled to the edge 214 a, and a second end 224 ofeach of the plurality of first support bars 220 a, 220 b, 220 c, 220 d,and 220 e is coupled to the edge 214 c. In some examples, the pluralityof first support bars 220 a, 220 b, 220 c, 220 d, and 220 e may beequidistant from each other. In alternative embodiment, the plurality offirst support bars 220 a, 220 b, 220 c, 220 d, and 220 e may not beequidistant from each other. In such an embodiment, the first supportbar 220 a may be positioned proximal to the edge 214 b. Further, thefirst support bars 220 b, 220 c, and 220 d may be near a central portionof the main frame 202. In an example embodiment, the central portion ofthe main frame 202 may correspond to a predetermined region around halfa length of the edge 214 a. Furthermore, the first support bar 220 e maybe positioned proximal to the edge 214 d.

In an example embodiment, the first actuation unit 208 may be mounted onthe edge 214 d of the main frame 202 and on the plurality of firstsupport bars 220 a, 220 b, 220 c, 220 d, and 220 e. The first actuationunit 208 is further described in conjunction with FIG. 3 and FIG. 4.

FIG. 3 illustrates an exploded view of the first actuation unit 208,according to one or more embodiments described herein. The firstactuation unit 208 includes a motor 302, a first camshaft 304, a secondcamshaft 306, a serpentine belt and pulley mechanism 308. The motor 302is coupled to the serpentine belt and pulley mechanism 308. Further, thefirst camshaft 304 and the second camshaft 306 are coupled to theserpentine belt and pulley mechanism 308. The structure of theserpentine belt and pulley mechanism 308 is further described inconjunction with FIG. 4.

FIG. 4 illustrates a front view of the first actuation unit 208,according to one or more embodiments described herein. The front view ofthe first actuation unit 208 depicts the serpentine belt and pulleymechanism 308. The serpentine belt and pulley mechanism 308 includes afirst belt 402, a motor pulley 404, a tensioner pulley 406, a firstdrive pulley 408, a second drive pulley 410, a belt and pulley frame412. In an example embodiment, the motor pulley 404, the tensionerpulley 406, the first drive pulley 408, the second drive pulley 410 aremounted on a first side 414 of the belt and pulley frame 412. Further,the motor 302 is mounted on a second side 416 of the belt and pulleyframe 412 (refer to FIG. 3). In some examples, the motor 302 may becoupled to the motor pulley 404. Further, in some examples, the motorpulley 404 may be further coupled to the tensioner pulley 406, the firstdrive pulley 408, and the second drive pulley 410, through the firstbelt 402. Accordingly, when the motor 302 causes the motor pulley 404 torotate, the motor pulley 404 causes the first drive pulley 408, thesecond drive pulley 410, and the tensioner pulley 406 to rotate. In someexamples, the tensioner pulley 406, the first drive pulley 408, thesecond drive pulley 410, and the motor pulley 404 are coupled in such amanner that the first drive pulley 408, the second drive pulley 410, andthe motor pulley 404 rotate in a same direction, while the tensionerpulley 406 rotate in a opposite direction to the direction of rotationof the motor pulley 404. For example, if the motor pulley 404 rotates ina clockwise direction, the first drive pulley 408 and the second drivepulley 410 also rotate in the clockwise direction. To this end, thetensioner pulley 406 rotates in the anti-clockwise direction.

Referring back to FIG. 3, the first camshaft 304 may be coupled to thefirst drive pulley 408, and the second camshaft 306 may be coupled tothe second drive pulley 410. In an example embodiment, the structure ofthe first camshaft 304 is similar to the structure of the secondcamshaft 306. For the purpose of ongoing description, the structure ofthe first camshaft 304 is described. However, those skilled in the artwould appreciate that the structural details of the first camshaft 304,described herein, are also applicable on the second camshaft 306.

In an example embodiment, the first camshaft 304 may include a first cam310, a second cam 312, a third cam 314, a plurality of bearings 316 a,316 b, 316 c, and 316 d, and a shaft 318. In an example embodiment, theplurality of bearings 316 a, 316 b, 316 c, and 316 d are configured tobe fixedly mounted on the plurality of first support bars 220 a, 220 b,220 c, 220 d, and 220 e. For example, the bearing 316 a is fixedlymounted on the first support bar 220 a. Similarly, the bearings 316 b,316 c, and 316 d are fixedly mounted on the first support bars 220 b,220 d, and 220 e, respectively. In some examples, the shaft 318 may passthrough each of the plurality of bearings 316 a, 316 b, 316 c, and 316d. In an example embodiment, the shaft 318 may have a first end 320 anda second end 322. The first end 320 of the shaft 318 is coupled to thebearing 316 a and the second end 322 of the shaft 318 is coupled to thefirst drive pulley 408. In some examples, the shaft 318 is rotatablewith respect to the plurality of bearings 316 a, 316 b, 316 c, and 316d.

In an example embodiment, the first cam 310, the second cam 312, and thethird cam 314 may be positioned on the shaft 318 at predeterminedpositions. For example, the first cam 310 may be positioned proximal tothe bearing 316 a, and the third cam 314 may be positioned proximal tothe bearing 316 d. Further, the second cam 312 may be positioned betweenthe first cam 310 and the third cam 314. Further, the second cam 312 maybe positioned proximal to the first support bar 220 c, when the firstactuation unit 208 is mounted on the main frame 202. In an exampleembodiment, when the shaft 318 rotates, the first cam 310, the secondcam 312, and the third cam 314 also rotate. In an example embodiment,the structure of the first cam 310, the second cam 312, and the thirdcam 314 is same. For the purpose of ongoing description, the structureof the first cam 310 is described. However, those having ordinary skillsin the art would appreciate that structural details of the first cam 310are also applicable on the second cam 312 and the third cam 314. Thestructure of the first cam 310 is described in conjunction with FIG. 5.

FIG. 5 illustrates a front view of the first cam 310, according to oneor more embodiments described herein. In an example embodiment, thefirst cam 310 includes a base wheel 502, and cam wheel 504. In someexamples, the base wheel 502 has a first surface 506 on which the camwheel 504 may be coupled. In an example embodiment, the cam wheel 504has edge 508 that defines a profile 510 of the cam wheel 504. In someexamples, the profile 510 of the cam wheel 504 is such that a radius ofthe cam wheel 504 at each point on the edge 508 varies. For example, theradius of the cam wheel 504 is minimum at point A (depicted by 512) andthe radius of the cam wheel 504 is maximum at point B (depicted by 514).

Referring back to FIG. 3, the second cam 312 and the third cam 314 mayhave the same structure as the first cam 310. However, in some examples,the orientation of the first cam 310, the second cam 312, the third cam314 on the shaft 318 may differ. For example, the first cam 310 and thethird cam 314 may have a first orientation with respect to each other,while the second cam 312 may have a second orientation with respect tothe first cam 310 or the third cam 314. In an example embodiment, theorientation of a cam with respect to the other cams may be defined as anangle of an arc formed by a point on a cam (e.g., point A (depicted by512)) and the same point (e.g., point A (depicted by 512)) on othercams. For example, the orientation of the first cam 310 and the thirdcam 316 may be same (i.e., the angle of the arc formed by point A 512 onthe first cam 310 and the point A 512 on the third cam 314 is 0degrees). Further, the orientation of the second cam 312 may bedifferent from the orientation of the first cam 310 and the third cam314. For example, the angle of the arc formed by point A 512 on thefirst cam 310 and the point A 512 on the second cam 312 is approximately270 degrees. Therefore, when the point A (depicted by 512) of first cam310 is pointed upwards, the point B (depicted by 514) on the second cam312 is pointed upwards. Such an illustration is depicted in FIG. 6 andFIG. 7.

FIG. 6 illustrates a cut view of the machine 106 depicting the secondcam 312, according to one or more embodiments described herein. FIG. 7illustrates another cut view of the machine 106 depicting the third cam314 and the second cam 312, according to one or more embodimentsdescribed herein. Referring to FIG. 6 and FIG. 7, it can be observedthat the point B (depicted by 514) on the second cam 312 is pointedupwards, while point A (depicted by 512) on the third cam 314 is pointedupwards (See FIG. 7). Further, it can be observed from FIG. 7 that theangle of arc (depicted by 702) formed by the point B (depicted by 514)on the third cam 314 and the point B (depicted by 514) on the second cam312 is approximately 270 degrees. In other words, the second cam 312 isin a flipped orientation with respect to the first cam 310 and the thirdcam 314.

Referring back to FIG. 2, a first linear guide 226 may be mounted ateach of the plurality of first corners 212 a, 212 b, 212 c, and 212 d ofthe main frame 202. The first linear guide 226 includes a vertical shaft228 and a stopper 230. A first end 231 of the vertical shaft 228 isfixedly coupled to a first corner of the plurality of first corners 212a, 212 b, 212 c, and 212 d (e.g., 212 a). Further, a second end 232 ofthe vertical shaft 228 is coupled to the stopper 230. In an exampleembodiment, the first linear guide 226 is coupled to each of theplurality of first corners 212 a, 212 b, 212 c, and 212 d along a thirdaxis 234.

In an example embodiment, the movable frame 204 may be movably mountedon the main frame 202 through the first linear guide 226 at each firstcorner of the plurality of first corners 212 a, 212 b, 212 c, and 212 d.In some examples, the first linear guide 226 may define a traversal pathfor the movable frame 204. As the first linear guide 226 is extends fromthe main frame 202 along the third axis 234 and the first linear guide226 defines the traversal path for the movable frame 204, the movableframe 204 may be configured to move along the third axis 234. In anexample embodiment, the structure of the movable frame 204 is furtherdescribed in conjunction with FIG. 8.

FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of the movable frame 204,according to one or more embodiments.

The movable frame 204 includes a first beam 802, a second beam 804, anda plurality of second support bars 806 a, 806 b, 806 c, and 806 d. In anexample embodiment, the first beam 802 may be positioned parallel to thesecond beam 804 along the first axis 216. the first beam 802 has a firstend 808, a second end 810, a first top surface 812, and a first bottomsurface 814. In an example embodiment, the first top surface 812 of thefirst beam 802 defines a first through hole 816 at the first end 808 ofthe first beam 802. Further, the first top surface 812 defines a secondthrough hole 818 at the second end 810 of the first beam 802. Similar tothe first beam 802, the second beam 804 has a third end 820, a fourthend 822, a second top surface 824, and a second bottom surface 826.Further, similar to the first beam 802, the second top surface 824defines a third through hole 828 at the third end 820, and a fourththrough hole 830 at the fourth end 822. In an example embodiment, thefirst through hole 816, the second through hole 818, the third throughhole 828, and the fourth through hole 830, are configured to receive thefirst linear guide 226 (positioned at each first corner of the pluralityof first corners 212 a, 212 b, 212 c, and 212 d), when the movable frame204 is mounted on the main frame 202.

In an example embodiment, the plurality of second support bars 806 a,806 b, 806 c, and 806 d is coupled to the first beam 802 and the secondbeam 804 along the second axis 218. In some examples, the plurality ofsecond support bars 806 a, 806 b, 806 c, and 806 d may be coupled to thefirst beam 802 and the second beam 804 such that a distance between thesecond support bar 806 a and the second support bar 806 b (depicted by832) may be equal to a distance between the second support bar 806 c andthe second support bar 806 d (depicted by 834). Further, the distancebetween the second support bar 806 c and the second support bar 806 b(depicted by 836) may be greater than the distance between the secondsupport bar 806 b and the second support bar 806 a. In some examples,the second support bar 806 a may positioned proximal to the first end808 and the third end 820 of the first beam 802 and the second beam 804,respectively. Further, the second support bar 806 d may positionedproximal to the second end 810 and the fourth end 822 of the first beam802 and the second beam 804, respectively.

In an example embodiment, the movable frame 204 may further include afirst leg 838, a second leg 840, a third leg 842, and fourth leg 844. Insome examples, the first leg 838 and the second leg 840 may be coupledto the second support bar 806 a. Further, the first leg 838 may beproximal to the first beam 802, and the second leg 840 may be proximalto the second beam 804. In some examples, the third leg 842 and thefourth leg 844 may be coupled to the second support bar 806 d. The thirdleg 842 may be proximal to the first beam 802, and the fourth leg 844may be proximal to the second beam 804. In an example embodiment, thefirst leg 838, the second leg 840, the third leg 842, and the fourth leg844 may be configured to extend out from the movable frame 204 along thethird axis towards the main frame 202, when the movable frame 204 ismounted on the main frame 202. When the movable frame 204 is mounted onthe main frame 202, the third leg 842 and the fourth leg 844 abut thefirst cam 310 on the first camshaft 304 and first cam 310 in the secondcamshaft 306, respectively. Similarly, the first leg 838 and the secondleg 840 abut the third cam 314 on the first camshaft 304 and the thirdcam 314 on the second camshaft 306, respectively.

Referring back to FIG. 2, the machine 106 may further include one ormore second linear guides 236 a and 236 b that may be mounted on thefirst support bar 220 c along the third axis 234. In an exampleembodiment, the one or more second linear guides 236 a and 236 b mayhave a structure similar to the first linear guide 226.

In some examples, the separator wall frame 206 may be movably mounted onthe main frame 202 through the one or more second linear guides 236 aand 236 b. Similar to the movable frame 204, the separator wall frame206 may be movable along the third axis 234. The structure of theseparator wall frame 206 is further described in conjunction with FIG.9.

FIG. 9 illustrates a perspective view of the separator wall frame 206,according to one or more embodiments described herein. In an exampleembodiment, the separator wall frame 206 includes a wall frame beam 902,a first vertical support beam 904, a second vertical support beam 906, awall receptacle 908, a first channel 910, a second channel 912, a fifthleg 914, and a sixth leg 916. The wall frame beam 902 is positionedalong the second axis 218 and has a first end 918 and a second end 920along the second axis 218. Further, the wall frame beam 902 includes athird end 922 and a fourth end 924 along the third axis 234.Additionally, the wall frame beam 902 has a first surface 926 and asecond surface 928.

In some examples, a first channel 910 and the second channel 912 may becoupled to the wall frame beam 902 on the first surface 926 of wallframe beam 902. In some examples, the first channel 910 and the secondchannel 912 may be configured to receive the one or more second linearguides 236 a and 236 b, when the separator wall frame 206 is mounted onthe main frame 202. Additionally, on the first surface 926 of the wallframe beam 902, the fifth leg 914 and the sixth leg 916 may be mountedat the first end 918 of the wall frame beam 902 and the second end 920of the wall frame beam 902, respectively. In an example embodiment, thefifth leg 914 and the sixth leg 916 may extend beyond the third end 922of the wall frame beam 902 along the third axis 234. In some examples,the fifth leg 914 and the sixth leg 916 may abut the second cam 312 onthe first camshaft 304 and the second camshaft 306, respectively, whenthe separator wall frame 206 is installed on the one or more secondlinear guides 236 a and 236 b on the main frame 202.

In an example embodiment, the first vertical support beam 904 and thesecond vertical support beam 906 are fixedly coupled to the fourth end822 of the wall frame beam 902. Further, the first vertical support beam904 and the second vertical support beam 906 extend along the third axis234. Further, the wall receptacle 908 is fixedly mounted on the firstvertical support beam 904 and the second vertical support beam 906 suchthat a long edge 930 of the wall receptacle 908 extends along the secondaxis 218.

Referring back to FIG. 2, in an example embodiment, the movable frame204 and the separator wall frame 206 may be utilized to mount a firstpackage translation component and a second package translationcomponent, respectively, on the machine 106. In an example embodiment,the first package translation component and the second packagetranslation component may correspond to components that may facilitatemovement of the package between various sub-systems of the materialhandling system 100. Some examples of the first package translationcomponent and the second package translation component may include, butare not limited to, a pop-up belt and separator wall. The machine 106assembled with the pop-up belt and the separator wall is furtherillustrated in FIG. 10.

FIG. 10 illustrates another perspective view of the machine 106,according to one or more embodiments. Referring to FIG. 10, the machine106 further includes a first pop-up belt 1002, a second pop-up belt1004, and a separator wall 1006. The first pop-up belt 1002 and thesecond pop-up belt 1004 may be coupled to the movable frame 204. In someexamples, the first pop-up belt 1002 may be coupled to the secondsupport bars 806 c and 806 d on the movable frame 204. Further, thesecond pop-up belt 1004 may be coupled to the second support bars 806 aand 806 b. In some examples, the first pop-up belt 1002 and the secondpop-up belt 1004 may be further coupled to the second actuation unit210.

Additionally, the second actuation unit 210 may be mounted on themovable frame 204. In some examples, the second actuation unit 210 maybe configured to actuate the first pop-up belt 1002 and the secondpop-up belt 1004. The structure of the first pop-up belt 1002 and thesecond pop-up belt 1004 is further described in conjunction with FIG.11.

In an example embodiment, the separator wall 1006 may be coupled to theseparator wall frame 206. For example, the separator wall 1006 may becoupled to the wall receptacle 908 of the separator wall frame 206. Thestructure of the separator wall 1006 is described further in conjunctionwith FIG. 12.

FIG. 11 illustrates a perspective view of an example pop-up belt 1100,according to one or more embodiments described herein. The examplepop-up belt 1100 includes a bracket 1102, a plurality of pulleys 1104,and a second belt 1106. The bracket 1102 may include a seventh leg 1108and an eighth leg 1110. In some examples, the seventh leg 1108 and theeighth leg 1110 of the bracket 1102 enable coupling of the examplepop-up belt 1100 on the plurality of second support bars 1006 a, 1006 b,1006 c, and 1006 d.

Further, the bracket includes an elongated arm 1112. In some examples,the plurality of pulleys 1104 are coupled to the elongated arm 1112.Further, the second belt 1106 is wrapped around the plurality of pulleys1104. Further, the example pop-up belt 1100 may be to the movable frame204 such that the elongated arm 1112 of the example pop-up belt 1100extends along the first conveyance axis 118. Accordingly, the secondbelt 1106 also extends along the first conveyance axis 118.

A person having ordinary skills in the art would appreciate that thefirst pop-up belt 1002 and the second pop-up belt 1004 may have similarstructure as that of the example pop-up belt 1100.

FIG. 12 illustrates a perspective view of the separator wall 1006,according to one or more embodiments. In an example embodiment, theseparator wall 1006 may include a first end 1202, a second end 1204, anda set of passive rollers 1206. The first end 1202 may be configured tobe coupled to the separator wall frame 206. The second end 1204 may beconfigured to receive the set of passive rollers 1206. In an exampleembodiment, the set of passive rollers 1206 are configured to facilitatethe movement of the package along the first conveyance axis 118, as isfurther described in conjunction with FIGS. 14, and 18-20.

Referring back to FIG. 1, the control system 107 may be configured tocontrol the operation of the material handling system 100. For example,the control system 107 may be configured to control the operation of thefirst conveyor 110, the second conveyor 134, and the machine 106. Thestructure of the control system 107 is described in conjunction withFIG. 13.

FIG. 13 illustrates a block diagram of the control system 107, inaccordance with one or more embodiments described herein. The controlsystem 107 includes a processor 1302, a memory device 1304, aninput/output (I/O) device interface unit 1306, and one or more packagedetection sensors 1308 a, 1308 b, and 1308 c. In an example embodiment,the processor 1302 is communicatively coupled to the memory device 1304,the I/O device interface unit 1306, and the one or more packagedetection sensors 1308 a 1308 b, and 1308 c.

The processor 1302 may be embodied as a means including one or moremicroprocessors with accompanying digital signal processor(s), one ormore processor(s) without an accompanying digital signal processor, oneor more coprocessors, one or more multi-core processors, one or morecontrollers, processing circuitry, one or more computers, various otherprocessing elements including integrated circuits such as, for example,an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or field programmablegate array (FPGA), or some combination thereof. Accordingly, althoughillustrated in FIG. 13 as a single processor, in an embodiment, theprocessor 1302 may include a plurality of processors and signalprocessing modules. The plurality of processors may be embodied on asingle electronic device or may be distributed across a plurality ofelectronic devices collectively configured to function as the circuitryof the material handling system 100. The plurality of processors may bein operative communication with each other and may be collectivelyconfigured to perform one or more functionalities of the circuitry ofthe material handling system 100, as described herein. In an exampleembodiment, the processor 1302 may be configured to execute instructionsstored in the memory device 1304 or otherwise accessible to theprocessor 1302. These instructions, when executed by the processor 1302,may cause the circuitry of the material handling system 100 to performone or more of the functionalities, as described herein.

Whether configured by hardware, firmware/software methods, or by acombination thereof, the processor 1302 may include an entity capable ofperforming operations according to embodiments of the present disclosurewhile configured accordingly. Thus, for example, when the processor 1302is embodied as an ASIC, FPGA or the like, the processor 1302 may includespecifically configured hardware for conducting one or more operationsdescribed herein. Alternatively, as another example, when the processor1302 is embodied as an executor of instructions, such as may be storedin the memory device 1304, the instructions may specifically configurethe processor 1302 to perform one or more algorithms and operationsdescribed herein.

Thus, the processor 1302 used herein may refer to a programmablemicroprocessor, microcomputer or multiple processor chip or chips thatcan be configured by software instructions (applications) to perform avariety of functions, including the functions of the various embodimentsdescribed above. In some devices, multiple processors may be provideddedicated to wireless communication functions and one processordedicated to running other applications. Software applications may bestored in the internal memory before they are accessed and loaded intothe processors. The processors may include internal memory sufficient tostore the application software instructions. In many devices, theinternal memory may be a volatile or nonvolatile memory, such as flashmemory, or a mixture of both. The memory can also be located internal toanother computing resource (e.g., enabling computer readableinstructions to be downloaded over the Internet or another wired orwireless connection).

The memory device 1304 may include suitable logic, circuitry, and/orinterfaces that are adapted to store a set of instructions that isexecutable by the processor 1302 to perform predetermined operations.Some of the memory implementations include, but are not limited to, ahard disk, random access memory, cache memory, read only memory (ROM),erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM) & electrically erasableprogrammable read-only memory (EEPROM), flash memory, magneticcassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magneticstorage devices, a compact disc read only memory (CD-ROM), digitalversatile disc read only memory (DVD-ROM), an optical disc, circuitryconfigured to store information, or some combination thereof. In anembodiment, the memory device 1304 may be integrated with the processor1302 on a single chip, without departing from the scope of thedisclosure. In an example embodiment, the memory device 1304 isconfigured to store a first set of pre-stored features and a second setof pre-stored features. In some examples, the first set of pre-storedfeatures corresponds to unique features of a first type of package.Further, the second set of pre-stored features corresponds to uniquefeatures of a second type of package. In an example embodiment, thefirst set of pre-stored features and the second set of pre-storedfeatures may correspond to Scale Invariant Feature Transform (SIFT)descriptors that are used to uniquely identify an object (e.g., thefirst type of package and the second type of package).

The I/O device interface unit 1306 may include suitable logic,circuitry, and/or interfaces that are adapted to transmit and receivedinformation from one or more components of the material handling system100. For example, the I/O device interface unit 1306 may be configuredto send/receive messages to/from, the one or more package detectionsensors 1308 a, 1308 b, and 1308 c, the first actuation unit 208, andthe second actuation unit 210. In an example embodiment, the I/O deviceinterface unit 1306 may be configured to communicate with the one ormore components, in accordance with one or more device communicationprotocols such as, but not limited to, I2C communication protocol,Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI) communication protocol, serialcommunication protocol, Control Area Network (CAN) communicationprotocol, and 1-Wire® communication protocol. Some examples of theinput/output interface unit 306 may include, but not limited to, a DataAcquisition (DAQ) card, an electrical drives driver circuit, and/or thelike.

The one or more package detection sensors 1308 a, 1308 b, and 1308 c mayinclude suitable logic/circuitry that may enable the package detectionsensors 1308 a, 1308 b, and 1308 c to detect whether the package ispresent at one or more predetermined locations such as on the firstconveyor 110, platform 114, and/or the second conveyor 134. For example,the package detection sensor 1308 a may be positioned on the platform114 to determine whether the package is present on the platform 114.Similarly, the package detection sensor 1308 b may be positionedproximal to the first conveyor 110 to determine whether the package islocated on the first conveyor 110. In another example, the packagedetection sensor 1308 c may be located proximal to the second conveyor134 to determine the presence of the package on the second conveyor 134.Some examples of the one or more package detection sensors 1308 a, 1308b, and 1308 c may include, but are not limited to an infrared (IR)sensor, an image capturing device, a proximity sensor, and/or the like.

The operation of the control system 107 is further described onconjunction with FIG. 14.

FIGS. 14 and 24 illustrate example flowcharts of the operationsperformed by an apparatus, such as the control system 107 of FIG. 1, inaccordance with example embodiments of the present invention. It will beunderstood that each block of the flowcharts, and combinations of blocksin the flowcharts, may be implemented by various means, such ashardware, firmware, one or more processors, circuitry and/or otherdevices associated with execution of software including one or morecomputer program instructions. For example, one or more of theprocedures described above may be embodied by computer programinstructions. In this regard, the computer program instructions whichembody the procedures described above may be stored by a memory of anapparatus employing an embodiment of the present invention and executedby a processor in the apparatus. As will be appreciated, any suchcomputer program instructions may be loaded onto a computer or otherprogrammable apparatus (e.g., hardware) to produce a machine, such thatthe resulting computer or other programmable apparatus provides forimplementation of the functions specified in the flowcharts' block(s).These computer program instructions may also be stored in anon-transitory computer-readable storage memory that may direct acomputer or other programmable apparatus to function in a particularmanner, such that the instructions stored in the computer-readablestorage memory produce an article of manufacture, the execution of whichimplements the function specified in the flowcharts' block(s). Thecomputer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer orother programmable apparatus to cause a series of operations to beperformed on the computer or other programmable apparatus to produce acomputer-implemented process such that the instructions which execute onthe computer or other programmable apparatus provide operations forimplementing the functions specified in the flowcharts' block(s). Assuch, the operations FIGS. 14 and 24, when executed, convert a computeror processing circuitry into a particular machine configured to performan example embodiment of the present invention. Accordingly, theoperations of FIGS. 14 and 24 define algorithms for configuring one ormore computers or processors to perform various example embodiments. Insome cases, a general purpose computer may be provided with an instanceof the processor which performs the algorithms of FIGS. 14 and 24 totransform the general purpose computer into a particular machineconfigured to perform an example embodiment.

Accordingly, blocks of the flowchart support combinations of means forperforming the specified functions and combinations of operations forperforming the specified functions. It will also be understood that oneor more blocks of the flowcharts', and combinations of blocks in theflowchart, can be implemented by special purpose hardware-based computersystems which perform the specified functions, or combinations ofspecial purpose hardware and computer instructions.

FIG. 14 illustrates a flowchart 1400 of a method for operating thematerial handling system 100, according to one or more embodiments. Theflowchart 1400 is described in conjunction with FIGS. 1-13.

At step 1402, the material handling system 100 includes means such asthe control system 107, the processor 1302, the I/O device interfaceunit 1306 and/or the like for determining whether the package is presenton platform 114. In an example embodiment, the I/O device interface unit1306 may utilize the package detection sensor 1308 a positioned proximalto the platform 114 to determine whether the package is present on theplatform 114. For example, the I/O device interface unit 1306 mayreceive a first package presence signal from the package detectionsensor 1308 a, when the package is present on the platform 114.

As discussed, the package detection sensor 1308 a may correspond to anIR sensor. In such an implementation, the IR sensor may be configured togenerate the first package presence signal. In an example embodiment,the IR sensor may include an IR transmitter and an IR receiver. The IRtransmitter may be configured to generate the IR signal. When package isnot present on the platform 114, the IR receiver may not receive the IRsignal generated by the IR transmitter. However, when the package ispresent on the platform 114, the IR signal from the IR transmitter mayreflect from the surface of the package back to the IR receiver. Inresponse to receiving the reflected IR signal, the IR receiver maygenerate the first package presence signal.

In an example embodiment, if the I/O device interface unit 1306determines that the package is present on the platform 114, theprocessor 1302 may be configured to perform the step 1404. However, ifthe I/O device interface unit 1306 determines that the package is notpresent on the platform 114, the processor 1302 may be configured torepeat the step 1402.

In response to receiving the first package presence signal, at step1404, the material handling system 100 includes means such as thecontrol system 107, the processor 1302, the I/O device interface unit1306, and/or the like for transmitting a first instruction to the pusherplate assembly 112 to push the package onto the first conveyor 110. Inan example embodiment, the pusher plate assembly 112 may be configuredto actuate the pusher plate 132 to push the package on the firstconveyor 110, based on the reception of the first instruction. Asdiscussed, the pusher plate 132 may be actuated using a servo motor orusing a hydraulic system. Accordingly, the pusher plate assembly 112 maybe configured to actuate the servo motor or the hydraulic system tocause the pusher plate 132 to push the package onto the first conveyor110.

In an alternate embodiment, where the first sub-system 102 does notinclude the pusher plate assembly 112, the I/O device interface unit1106 may be configured to actuate the perpendicular belts 109 on theplatform 114. Actuating the perpendicular belts 109 causes the packageto move along the second conveyance axis 124 onto the first conveyor110.

At step 1406, the material handling system 100 includes means such asthe control system 107, the processor 1302, the I/O device interfaceunit 1306, and/or the like for determining whether the package is on thefirst conveyor 110. In an example embodiment, the I/O device interfaceunit 1306 may be configured to utilize the package detection sensor 1308b to determine whether the package is on the first conveyor 110. Forexample, the I/O device interface unit 1306 may receive a second packagepresence signal, indicative of the presence of the package, from thepackage detection sensor 1308 b. Accordingly, the I/O device interfaceunit 1306 may determine that the package is present on the firstconveyor 110. Subsequently, the processor 1302 may perform the step1408. However, if the I/O device interface unit 1306 determines that thepackage is not present on the first conveyor 110, the processor 1302 maybe configured to repeat the step 1402.

At step 1408, the material handling system 100 includes means such asthe control system 107, the processor 1302, the I/O device interfaceunit 1306, and/or the like, for transmitting a second instruction to thefirst actuation unit 208. In an example embodiment, in response toreceiving the second instruction, the first actuation unit 208 may causethe motor 302 to rotate the first camshaft 304 and the second camshaft306 in the first direction. As discussed, the first directioncorresponds to the clockwise rotation of the first camshaft 304 and thesecond camshaft 306. The rotation of the first camshaft 304 and thesecond camshaft 306 causes the first cam 310, the second cam 312, andthe third cam 314 to rotate, which further causes the movable frame 204and the separator wall frame 206 to translate along the third axis 234.

In some examples, because the movable frame 204 and the separator wallframe 206 are coupled to different cams on the first camshaft 304 andthe second camshaft 306, therefore, the direction of the translation ofthe movable frame 204 and the separator wall frame 206 is different. Forexample, as discussed above, the movable frame 204 abuts the first cam310 and the third cam 314 on the first camshaft 304 and second camshaft306, while the separator wall frame 206 is coupled to the second cam312. Further, as discussed, the orientation of the second cam 312 isdifferent from the first cam 310 and the third cam 314. For instance,when the point A (depicted by 512) of the first cam 310 and the thirdcam 314 abut the movable frame 204, point B (depicted by 514) abuts theseparator wall frame 206. Accordingly, when the first camshaft 304 andthe second camshaft 306 rotates in the first direction, the first cam310 and the third cam 314 rotates from point A (depicted by 512) topoint B (depicted by 512), while the second cam rotates from point B(depicted by 514) to point A (depicted by 512). Since the radius of thecam wheel 504 at the point A (depicted by 512) is less than the radiusof the cam wheel 504 at point B (depicted by 514), therefore, when thefirst camshaft 304 and second camshaft 306 rotate in the firstdirection, the movable frame 204 translate in an upward direction, alongthe third axis 234, while the separator wall frame 206 translates in adownward direction, along the third axis 234.

Since the first pop-up belt 1002 and the second pop-up belt 1004 arecoupled to the movable frame 204, therefore, when the movable frame 204translates in the upward direction, the first pop-up belt 1002 and thesecond pop-up belt 1004 may extend out from the first conveyor 110 andthe second conveyor 134, respectively. In some examples, the firstpop-up belt 1002 and the second pop-up belt 1004 may extend up throughthe gap 130 and the one or more slots 142 in the first conveyor 110 andthe second conveyor 134, respectively. Further, since the separator wall1006 is coupled to the separator wall frame 206, therefore, when theseparator wall frame 206 translates in the downward direction (when thefirst camshaft 304 and second camshaft 306 rotates in the firstdirection), the separator wall 1006 also translates in the downwarddirection. In some examples, the first pop-up belt 1002, the secondpop-up belt 1004, and the separator wall 1006 may translates in theirrespective directions until the second belt 1106 on the first pop-upbelt 1002 and the second pop-up belt 1004, and the set of passiverollers 1206 are in a same plane. For example, the first camshaft 304and the second camshaft 306 are rotated by a predetermined angulardisplacement. In an example embodiment, the predetermined angulardisplacement may correspond to amount by which the first camshaft 304and second camshaft 306 are rotated (in the first direction) to bringthe second belt 1106 on the first pop-up belt 1002 and the second pop-upbelt 1004, and the set of passive rollers 1206 in a same plane. In anexample embodiment, the after the first camshaft 304 and second camshaft306 are rotated by the predetermined angular displacement, the firstpop-up belt 1002 and the second pop-up belt 1004 are in the extendedposition. Further, the separator wall 1006 is in a first position. Thetranslation of the first pop-up belt 1002, the second pop-up belt 1004,and the separator wall 1006 is further illustrated through FIGS. 15-17.

Referring to FIG. 15, it can be observed that the first pop-up belt 1002and the second pop-up belt 1004 are at a retracted position 1502 belowthe first conveyor 110 and the second conveyor 134, respectively.Further, referring to FIG. 15, the separator wall 1006 is at a secondposition 1504, which is above the position of the first conveyor 110 andthe second conveyor 134. Accordingly, it can be observed that theseparator wall 1006 blocks the movement of the package 1506 between thefirst conveyor 110 and the second conveyor 134.

Referring to FIG. 16, it can be observed that the first pop-up belt 1002and the second pop-up belt 1004 are at a third position 1602 below thefirst conveyor 110 and the second conveyor 134, respectively. Further,the third position 1602 is higher in comparison to the retractedposition 1502. Further, it can be observed that the separator wall 1006is at a fourth position 1604, which is below the second position 1504.

Referring to FIG. 17, it can be observed that the first pop-up belt 1002and the second pop-up belt 1004 are in an extended position 1702.Further, the separator wall 1006 is at the first position 1704, which isbelow the fourth position 1604. Further, it can be observed that thesecond belt 1106 of the first pop-up belt 1002 and the second pop-upbelt 1004 are in a same plane (depicted by 1706) as that of the set ofpassive rollers 1206. Furthermore, it can be observed that the firstpop-up belt 1002 and the second pop-up belt 1004 are engaged with thepackage 1506 positioned on the first conveyor 110. In some examples, thefirst pop-up belt 1002 may be configured to lift the package 1506 abovethe first conveyor 110 (as can be observed from FIG. 17).

Referring back to FIG. 14, at step 1410, the material handling system100 includes means such as the control system 107, the processor 1302,the I/O device interface unit 1306, and/or the like, for transmitting athird instruction to the second actuation unit 210. In an exampleembodiment, in response to receiving the third instruction, the secondactuation unit 210 may cause the second belt 1106 on the first pop-upbelt 1002 and the second pop-up belt to move in along the firstconveyance axis 118. For example, the second actuation unit 210 maycause the plurality of pulleys 1104 to rotate causing the second belt1106 to move along the first conveyance axis 118. Since the package isengaged with the first pop-up belt 1002, the movement of the second belt1106 on the first pop-up belt 1002 causes the package to move along thefirst conveyance axis 118. Since the second belt 1106 on the firstpop-up belt 1002 and the second pop-up belt 1004 are in the same planeas the set of passive rollers 1206 on the separator wall 1006,therefore, the package 1506 moves over the set of passive rollers 1206on to the second pop-up belt 1004 (extending out from the secondconveyor 134). Since the second belt 1106 on the second pop-up belt 1004also move along the first conveyance axis 118, the second pop-up belt1004 facilitates the movement of the package 1506 over the secondconveyor 134.

The movement of the package from the first conveyor 110 to the secondconveyor 134 is illustrated through FIGS. 18-20. Referring to FIG. 18,it can be observed that the package 1506 translates along the firstconveyance axis 118. Further, it can be observed that the package 1506is positioned on the first pop-up belt 1002 and the set of passiverollers 1206. In some examples, the set of passive rollers 1206 rotatebased on frictional force between the set of passive rollers 1206 andthe surface of the package 1506. Referring to FIG. 19, it can beobserved that the package 1506 has moved to a position such that thepackage 1506 is engaged with both the first pop-up belt 1002 and thesecond pop-up belt 1004. Further, it can be observed that the package1506 move over the set of passive rollers 1206. Referring to FIG. 20, itcan be observed that the package 1506 has been received by the secondpop-up belt 1004 and is positioned over the second conveyor 134.

Referring back to FIG. 14, at step 1412, the material handling system100 includes means such as the control system 107, the processor 1302,the I/O device interface unit 1306, and/or the like, for determiningwhether the package is positioned on the second conveyor 134. In anexample embodiment, the I/O device interface unit 1306 may utilize thepackage detection sensor 1308 c (positioned proximal on the secondconveyor 134) to determine whether the package is positioned on thesecond conveyor 134. In some examples, the I/O device interface unit1306 may determine that the package is positioned on the second conveyor134 based on the reception of a third package presence signal from thepackage detection sensor 1308 c. If the I/O device interface unit 1306receives the third package presence signal from the package detectionsensor 1308 c, the processor 1302 may be configured to perform the step1414. However, if the I/O device interface unit 1306 does not receivethe third package presence signal, the processor 1302 may be configuredto repeat the step 1412.

At step 1414, the material handling system 100 includes means such asthe control system 107, the processor 1302, the I/O device interfaceunit 1306, and/or the like, for transmitting a fourth instruction to thefirst actuation unit 208 to cause the first camshaft 304 and the secondcamshaft 306 to rotate in the second direction. In an exampleembodiment, the second direction (i.e., anti-clockwise direction) isopposite to the first direction (i.e., clockwise direction). In responseto receiving the fourth instruction, the first actuation unit 208 maycause the first camshaft 304 and the second camshaft 306 to rotate inthe second direction. Rotating the first camshaft 304 and the secondcamshaft 306 in the second direction causes the first cam 310 and thethird cam 314 to rotate from the point B (depicted by 514) to point A(depicted by 512). Further, the third cam rotates from point A (depictedby 512) to point B (depicted by 514). Accordingly, the separator wall1006 move in the upward direction to the second position, where theseparator wall 1006 extends out from the first conveyor 110 and thesecond conveyor 134 to block the movement of the package between thefirst conveyor 110 and the second conveyor 134. Concurrently, the firstpop-up belt 1002 and the second pop-up belt 1004 retract below the firstconveyor 110 and the second conveyor 134 to the retracted position,respectively.

FIG. 21-23 illustrates the movement of the first pop-up belt 1002, thesecond pop-up belt 1004, and the separator wall 1006, when the firstcamshaft 304 and the second camshaft 306 rotate in the second direction.

Referring to FIG. 21, it can be observed that the first pop-up belt 1002and the second pop-up belt 1004 are at the extended position 1702 abovethe first conveyor 110 and the second conveyor 134, respectively.Further, referring to FIG. 21, the separator wall 1006 is at the firstposition 1704.

Referring to FIG. 22, it can be observed that the first pop-up belt 1002and the second pop-up belt 1004 are at the third position 1602 below thefirst conveyor 110 and the second conveyor 134, respectively. Further,the third position 1602 is lower in comparison to the extended position1702. Further, it can be observed that the separator wall 1006 is at thefourth position 1604, which is above the first position 1704.

Referring to FIG. 23, it can be observed that the first pop-up belt 1002and the second pop-up belt 1004 are in the retracted position 1502.Further, the separator wall 1006 is at the first position 1704, which isabove the fourth position 1604. Accordingly, the separator wall 1006blocks the movement of the package between the first conveyor 110 andthe second conveyor 134.

In some examples, when the first actuation unit 208 is powered off, theweight of the movable frame 204 may causes the movable frame 204 to movein a downward direction. Such downward movement of the movable frame 204may cause the separator wall frame 206 to move upward direction, as theseparator wall frame 206 and the movable frame 204 are coupled to thesame camshaft (i.e., second camshaft 306 and first camshaft 304). Toavoid such movement due to difference in weight between the movableframe 204 and the separator wall frame 206, in some examples, theseparator wall frame 206 may be mounted on the main frame 202 throughcounter weight members 602 (refer FIG. 6). Such counter weight members602 may be configured to counter balance the weight difference betweenthe separator wall frame 206 and the movable frame 204. Some examples ofthe counter weight members 602 may include, but are not limited to,springs.

FIG. 24 illustrates another flowchart 2400 illustrating a method foroperating the material handling system 100, according to one or moreembodiments described herein.

At step 2402, the material handling system 100 includes means such asthe control system 107, the processor 1302, the I/O device interfaceunit 1306, and/or the like, for determining whether the package to betransferred from the first conveyor 110 to a second conveyor 134 ispositioned on the first conveyor 110.

At step 2404, the material handling system 100 includes means such asthe control system 107, the processor 1302, the I/O device interfaceunit 1306, and/or the like, for actuating, by the controller, the motor302 to rotate the first camshaft 304 in a first direction causing thefirst pop-up belt 1002 to extend above the first conveyor 110. Further,the rotation of the motor 302 causes the separator wall 1006, positionedbetween the first conveyor and the second conveyor, to move to a firstposition such that the first pop-up belt 1002 and the separator wall1006 facilitate the movement of the package from the first conveyor 110to the second conveyor 134.

At step 2406, the material handling system 100 includes means such asthe control system 107, the processor 1302, the I/O device interfaceunit 1306, and/or the like, for actuating, by the controller, the motor302 to rotate the first camshaft 304 in a second direction causing thefirst pop-up belt 1002 to move to a retracted position below the firstconveyor 110 and causing the separator wall 1006 to move to a secondposition such that the separator wall 1006 blocks the movement of thepackage between the first conveyor 110 and the second conveyor 134.

What is claimed is:
 1. A material handling apparatus comprising: a firstpop-up belt configured to facilitate movement of a package between afirst conveyor and a second conveyor; and a separator wall configured tocontrol movement of the package between the first conveyor and thesecond conveyor, wherein, in a first mode of operation, the first pop-upbelt extends out from the first conveyor to facilitate movement of thepackage from the first conveyor to the second conveyor, and theseparator wall moves to a first position, wherein, in the firstposition, the separator wall allows the package to move from the firstconveyor to the second conveyor, and wherein, in a second mode ofoperation the first pop-up belt moves to a retracted position below thefirst conveyor, and the separator wall moves to a second position thatblocks movement of the package between the first conveyor and the secondconveyor.
 2. The material handling apparatus of claim 1, furthercomprising an actuation unit comprising a motor, and a camshaft coupledto the motor, wherein the camshaft comprises a first cam and a secondcam, wherein the first cam is coupled to the first pop-up belt and thesecond cam is coupled to the separator wall, and wherein the camshaft isconfigured to rotate in a first direction in the first mode of operationand a second direction in the second mode of operation, further whereina first orientation of the first cam on the camshaft is different from asecond orientation of the second cam on the camshaft.
 3. The materialhandling apparatus of claim 2, wherein the camshaft further comprises athird cam, wherein the second orientation of the second cam is the sameas a third orientation of the third cam.
 4. The material handlingapparatus of claim 3 further comprising a second pop-up belt abuttingthe third cam, wherein the second pop-up belt is configured tofacilitate movement of the package between the first conveyor and thesecond conveyor.
 5. The material handling apparatus of claim 4, whereinthe second cam facilitates movement of the second pop-up belt between anextended position and a retracted position, wherein, in the retractedposition, the second pop-up belt is positioned below the secondconveyor, and wherein, in the extended position, the second pop-up beltextends above the second conveyor.
 6. The material handling apparatus ofclaim 4, wherein the second pop-up belt and the first pop-up belt arepositioned in a same plane.
 7. The material handling apparatus of claim2, wherein the first cam facilitates movement of the first pop-up beltbetween an extended position and the retracted position, and wherein, inthe extended position, the first pop-up belt extends above the firstconveyor.
 8. The material handling apparatus of claim 2, wherein theseparator wall further comprises a first end and a second end, whereinthe first end of the separator wall abuts the second cam, and wherein,on the second end, rollers are mounted.
 9. The material handlingapparatus of claim 8, wherein, in the first position, the rollers andthe first pop-up belt are in a same plane.
 10. The material handlingapparatus of claim 8, wherein the rollers are passive rollers that areconfigured to rotate in accordance with movement of the package from thefirst conveyor to the second conveyor, wherein the rollers rotate basedon a frictional force between the package and the rollers.
 11. Amaterial handling system comprising: a first conveyor; a firstsub-system positioned adjacent to the first conveyor; a separator wallpositioned between the first conveyor and the first sub-system, whereinthe separator wall is configured to control movement of a packagebetween the first conveyor and the first sub-system; a first pop-up beltpositioned below the first conveyor, wherein the first pop-up belt isconfigured to facilitate movement of the package from the first conveyorto the first sub-system; wherein, in a first mode of operation, thefirst pop-up belt extends above the first conveyor to facilitatemovement of the package from the first conveyor to the first sub-system,and the separator wall moves to a first position, wherein the separatorwall, in the first position, allows the package to move from the firstconveyor to the first sub-system, and wherein, in a second mode ofoperation, the first pop-up belt moves to a retracted position below thefirst conveyor, and the separator wall moves to a second position thatblocks movement of the package between the first conveyor and the firstsub-system.
 12. The material handling system of claim 11, furthercomprising a camshaft comprising a first cam and a second cam, whereinthe first cam is coupled to the first pop-up belt and the second cam iscoupled to the separator wall, and wherein the camshaft is configured torotate in a first direction in the first mode of operation and a seconddirection in the second mode of operation, further wherein a firstorientation of the first cam on the camshaft is different from a secondorientation of the second cam on the camshaft.
 13. The material handlingsystem of claim 12, wherein the camshaft further comprises a third cam,wherein a second orientation of the second cam is same as a thirdorientation of the third cam.
 14. The material handling system of claim13, wherein the first sub-system corresponds to a second conveyorpositioned adjacent to the first conveyor, wherein the material handlingsystem further comprises a second pop-up belt abutting the third cam,wherein the second pop-up belt is configured to facilitate movement ofthe package between the first conveyor and the second conveyor.
 15. Thematerial handling system of claim 14, wherein the third cam facilitatesmovement of the second pop-up belt between an extended position and aretracted position, wherein, in the retracted position, the secondpop-up belt is positioned below the second conveyor, and wherein, in theextended position, the second pop-up belt extends above the secondconveyor.
 16. The material handling system of claim 12, wherein theseparator wall further comprises a first end and a second end, whereinthe first end of the separator wall abuts the second cam, and wherein,on the second end of the separator wall, rollers are mounted.
 17. Thematerial handling system of claim 16, wherein, in the first position,the rollers and the first pop-up belt are in a same plane.
 18. A methodfor operating a material handling system, the method comprising:determining, by a controller, whether a package to be transferred from afirst conveyor to a second conveyor is positioned on the first conveyor;in response to determining that the package is positioned on the firstconveyor, actuating, by the controller, a first pop-up belt to extendabove the first conveyor and causing a separator wall, between the firstconveyor and the second conveyor, to move to a first position such thatthe first pop-up belt and the separator wall facilitate movement of thepackage from the first conveyor to the second conveyor; and in responseto determining that the package has moved from the first conveyor to thesecond conveyor, actuating, by the controller, the first pop-up belt tomove to a retracted position below the first conveyor and causing theseparator wall to move to a second position such that the separator wallblocks the movement of the package between the first conveyor and thesecond conveyor.
 19. The method of claim 18 further comprising:actuating, by the controller, the first pop-up belt to move in a firstdirection to move the package from the first conveyor to the secondconveyor.
 20. The method of claim 18, further comprising: actuating, bythe controller, a motor to rotate a camshaft in a first directioncausing the first pop-up belt to extend above the first conveyor andcausing the separator wall to move to the first position; and actuating,by the controller, the motor to rotate the camshaft in a seconddirection causing the first pop-up belt to move to a retracted positionbelow the first conveyor and causing the separator wall to move to thesecond position.